Easter Sunday saw millions of Christians around the world celebrate. In Manhattan, crowds gathered for the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival down Fifth Ave, as St. Patrick’s Cathedral held services.
The gathering outside was full of festivity, creativity and much color. “It’s such a fantastic event,” said Olga Runcie, visiting from Scotland. “It’s very, very uplifting. It’s just been a smile to our faces.”
“I make a hat every year,” said Mary Anna Smith about the whimsical scene on Fifth Ave, as she pointed to her new hat for Easter 2026, as the parade and festival took over part of the city.
“Today is so special,” another participant added as they reflected on the faith aspect of the day. “Christ is risen and we are here to shine his light that’s within our hearts.”
“My mom made everything,” Nicholas Runcie said of the bright pink hats he and Olga Runcie wore to the party.
There was even space for canine couture, as Anthony Rubio held his small dog who wore a vibrant costume and hat. “He’s wearing one of my couture designs celebrating the festivities of Easter Sunday,” he told NBC New York.
Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Archbishop Ronald Hicks presided over his first Easter and Holy Week leading the Archdiocese of New York. “I want to wish you and yours a very happy Easter,” Hicks told worshippers. “I want to thank everyone who made this celebration of the resurrection of our lord and savior so beautiful.”
At The Vatican, Pope Leo XIV exclaimed “Happy Easter,” as he celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff Sunday. Leo blessed the crowd in multiple languages and delivered a message of peace. “May you bring the joy of Jesus, who is risen and present in our midst, to all you meet.”
Pope Leo didn’t specifically mention any nation in his message at the Vatican. But he was clear in his message to global leaders to choose peace over war.
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